Martin Zubimendi is finally a Gunner: Arsenal announce £60m signing of Spanish midfielder after fending off interest from Real Madrid

The Gunners have announced the midfielder as Mikel Arteta's second signing of the summer. Zubimendi was reportedly close to completing a move to the Emirates prior to the end of the season, with a formal agreement made between all parties. Final details have now been signed off and the 26-year-old has been announced as an Arsenal player on a five-year-deal, after a move reportedly worth near £60m according to the BBC.

Zubimendi has been Arteta's top target for some time and completing this transfer will allow the Gunners to relax and move on to improving other positions of need. The former Sociedad midfielder came through the club's youth ranks and their C and B teams, eventually making 236 appearances for their first team and becoming one of the best deep-lying midfielders in La Liga. He is also a Euro 2024 winner with Spain, having come on at half-time in the final to replace the injured Rodri.

The BBC's report says that Arsenal opted to pay more than Zubimendi's £51m release clause so that they could spread the payment, as La Liga rules dictate a release clause must be paid in full in one payment. There was a fear Real Madrid could hijack the deal after the arrival of Xabi Alonso, who worked with Zubimendi in the Sociedad academy, but the Gunners were able to hold off and get their man.

"This is a huge moment in my career," said Zubimendi. "It's the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are. I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come."

Zubimendi is set to replace the released Thomas Partey at the base of Arsenal's midfield and may make his debut for the club during the Gunners' pre-season tour in Asia, which begins later this month. Arteta will now set his sights to working on further transfers, with attacking players likely to be the priority. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is also close to completing a move to the Emirates for an initial £10m.